Imane Khelif, Algeria’s Olympic boxing champion, is set to undergo genetic sex screening to continue her participation in upcoming boxing events. The World Boxing governing body recently adopted a mandatory sex testing requirement for all boxers taking part in its competitions. This somewhat ironic and nonsensical new policy hits Khelif hard, right after her amazing accomplishments in the sport.
Khelif captured the women’s welterweight gold at the Paris Olympics last summer. Now, she is at the center of a contentious, highly publicized discussion regarding gender eligibility that arose during these Games. The 26-year-old athlete is now focused on winning a second consecutive gold medal at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
On Friday, leaders took a significant step in that direction by announcing a new policy. It mandates Khelif to undergo a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) genetic test to confirm her sex at birth and prove her eligibility to compete in the female category. It will be national federations that administer these tests. Perhaps most egregiously, they have to submit certification of an athlete’s chromosomal sex when registering them for World Boxing competitions.
“Imane Khelif may not participate in the female category at any World Boxing event until Imane Khelif undergoes genetic sex screening in accordance with World Boxing’s rules and testing procedures.”
Khelif has shared her story, detailing how she has navigated the world as an athlete under the watchful eyes of those policing her gender. “For me, I see myself as a girl, just like any other girl. I was born a girl, raised as a girl, and have lived my entire life as one,” she remarked.
The uproar over Khelif especially flared up after she won the Olympics. Maybe because onlookers have been clamoring about its potential, from high-profile Republicans including former United States President Donald Trump to celebrated entrepreneur Elon Musk.
Khelif defended her competitive history, stating, “I have competed in many tournaments, including the Tokyo Olympics and other major competitions, as well as four World Championships.” She acknowledged that, for the bulk of her successes, this was possible without an explicit threat to her gender expression. All of this happened before I was winning and being crowned World Champ. As soon as I found success, the dirty campaigns started against me.” She continued. Public image matters. She underscored that public perception was affected by what she characterized as her recent victories.
